Asclepias verticillata

Also Known As

Whorled Milkweed

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 18"-30"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

4a-10b

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Asclepias verticillata plant details

Asclepias verticillata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer cream and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Asclepias verticillata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in summer
Uses: cottage garden, easy-to-grow

GROWING CONDITIONS for Asclepias verticillata

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Asclepias verticillata is a rare eastern North American native known as the whorled milkweed. It is a dainty ethereal species popular with monarch butterflies with whorls of narrow, pointed leaves with curled margins on 2-3 foot stems topped with clusters of beautiful and delicate white and green flowers in summer followed by attractive seed pods. Spreads by underground rhizomes forming nice colonies but is not invasive. Grow in full to part sun in average to dry soil.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Clusters of small white to greenish-white flowers are borne mainly in summer among the finely textured, narrow, dark-green foliage of Whorled Milkweed. This is a tough, native, taprooted perennial found throughout all but the most western portions of the US as well as into Canada. Whorled Milkweed is a host to the Monarch and Queen butterflies. To learn more about the beneficial insects that Milkweeds support see our growing guide: Milkweed: Much More than Just a Monarch Host. This species is considered especially toxic to livestock.

By: Almost Eden

Garden photo gallery of Asclepias verticillata

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By: Almost Eden

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Gardening facts about Asclepias verticillata plant

How to Grow Asclepias verticillata

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Soil Needs
- clay
- adaptable
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- white
- cream
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous